WhatsApp’s new Call Links feature is a game-changer for video and voice calls that is the alternative to Zoom and Google Meet. Meta platform CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced a new feature for the popular instant messaging platform WhatsApp. This feature is named “Call Links”. Like the other conferencing platform such as Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams, the unique link is available for WhatsApp now to join the meeting with other participants.
On Twitter, WhatsApp posted “Planning a call with long-distance friends? Need to chat live last minute? Now you can create and send a call link to anyone on WhatsApp, even if they’re not in your contacts. Add the link to an invite or send in a chat, now planning and joining calls is easier than ever.”
The Call Link feature will allow the users to set up the calls by generating the direct link for both audio and video calls. Participants will easily join in a conference audio-visual call by clicking the link.
Normally, the existing WhatsApp calling method is more like phone calls. Here, call members can try to add other members to the conference call during the continuous ongoing call.
Apart from this, the company’s CEO has also mentioned that WhatsApp will soon allow users to add 32 participants to an encrypted video call. This feature is testing under the company’s supervision since April 2022.
In WhatsApp, users will be able to access the call link in their Calls tab. By clicking on the “Create call link” option, users can generate a link that they can share with others, both on and off WhatsApp. This feature will allow the users to connect with the ones who are out of the contact list.
This feature is expected to be observed in both android and iOS. Here, users will be able to generate links for scheduled or instant calls for both voice and video to share the link with their friends and family on individual chats or groups. Other participants can join the call anytime with that link depending on their convenient time.
What about privacy? What will happen if someone will leak the link to unexpected members?
WhatsApp always thinks about users’ privacy. The chat is end-to-end encrypted. WhatsApp will give call hosts to access control of the call.
The link will support the video call and voice call. Recently, WhatsApp brings the feature to enlarge the capacity to 32 people at the time of calling. This feature will be combined with the “call link” feature. So, it will support the encrypted video calls for up to 32 people on the platform.
We can keep the hope to get the “Call Link” feature on the desktop through the web version.
The feature is built into WhatsApp, so you can start using it right away. It’s versatile. Call Links can be used for a variety of purposes, including video conferences, business meetings, and family gatherings. The feature is flexible and easy to use, making it a great choice for any type of call. Call Links is free to use. It’s convenient for travel. If you’re travelling overseas, Call Links can be a lifesaver. With the touch of a button, you can connect with friends and family without having to worry about expensive calling rates or data charges.
Will Cathcart, Head, WhatsApp shared this news via the above tweet, on 26th September 2022 “Excited to introduce Call Links on WhatsApp so you can easily start or join a call using just a link. Available for both audio and voice calls starting this week.”
Call Links will be available starting this week but it could take a few days or even weeks before everyone gets the feature for their account in the further updates.
This feature comes on WhatsApp with other improved features such as the ability to leave groups silently and tweaks to online status visibility settings.
It is considered that WhatsApp steps forward by introducing the “Call Links” features for business and community platforms.
Clearly, it can be seen that WhatsApp is not the only messaging application. It is competing with other conferencing applications like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.
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